Gomer: a story of unfaithfulness, redemption and love

Gomer is known in the Bible as the unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea. We don’t hear from her in Scriptures. We only know of her actions. After she married Hosea, she carried on numerous affairs. She would give gifts to her lovers than were gifted to her by Hosea. She is the symbol of spiritual adultery. A picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. However, Hosea continued to love her despite her unfaithfulness. She is more than just an unfaithful wife. She is an illustration of the redeeming love that God has for us despite our unfaithfulness. What’s her story? What is a redeeming love? How is she an illustration? 

Hosea was a prophet. An important man in Israel. He was the mouthpiece of God to His people. He would be the man to steer the nation with his prophecies; but, he couldn’t control his wife. God had instructed Hosea to take Gomer as his wife and love her as God loved Israel. Many scholars believed that Gomer was faithful in the beginning. Hosea 1:3 says that Gomer bore Hosea a son. However, in verses 6 and 8, Gomer has two more children. However, Hosea’s name is not mentioned. It has led scholars to believe that the last two children were not Hosea’s biological children but the children of her lovers. Sometime after the birth of her first child, she became unfaithful. When Gomer is mentioned again in Hosea 3, Hosea is instructed to buy her back. The Bible doesn’t say why she had to be bought back. Two possibilities is that she sold herself into prostitution or she was another man’s mistress. But he pays and he brings her home. 

A redeeming love is a love that frees someone from a burden. Hosea redeemed Gomer from the burden of being a prostitute or another man’s mistress. God has redeemed us from sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. God loves us and remains faithful even when we are not. He waits with open arms for us to repent and turn back to Him. God remains faithful at all times. When we get busy and put others before Him. Whether it is work, family responsibilities, and even our church and charitable obligations. Like many people, I am prone to pay attention to what needs my immediate attention and push, even unwittingly, aside my time with God. But He always welcomes me back with open arms and forgiveness for my inattentiveness. I try to do my best but I’m not perfect. I will never be perfect. I will fall from time to time but God will be there to help me up when I do. He will let me try again. You may think you are too far gone for help. But you are not. He is there waiting. He will welcome you back and let you try again. 

Gomer becomes an illustration for us. A person who seeks other pleasures and desires, turning from the One who remained lovingly faithful. Like Hosea, with every reason to cut ties with Gomer, God could have walked away from us. Leaving us to our choices and consequences. But God doesn’t walk away from us. He is not asking for perfection. He is asking for consistency, regular meetings. A prayer as you head to work, before a meal, and even before bed. You can pray whenever and wherever you want. A quick “Help me, Lord” in a moment of frustration or a stressful situation counts and He will hear. One of my favorite quiet times is bedtime as I lay my youngest daughter down to sleep, I pray. I pray for my shortcomings as a mom, a wife, and an overall person. I pray for my daughters and their successes and struggles. I pray for my husband as he prepares to rest and face work the next day. I pray in thankfulness for God’s love and mercy. I pray for this continued help as I live this life that He has given me. No fancy words needed, just words from your heart. 

In conclusion, Gomer was a woman who was unfaithful. She turned from her husband who loved her. She is later redeemed when she deserved to be left behind. God doesn’t want to leave us behind. He wants to love us and provide for us. We just need to come to Him. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, we are redeemed. Hosea redeems Gomer with valuables but we are redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19). Many people would focus on the fact that Hosea was forced to marry Gomer, a prostitute; however, they miss the most important picture. Gomer’s story is a story of redemption and love. 

Symbol Maker's Daughter: the end of the War of the Roses

Symbol Maker’s Daughter by Clare Gutierrez is a tale of intrigue, mystery and destiny as the fight for the English throne continues. The War of the Roses has been ranging between two houses of the Plantagenets: Lancaster and York since 1455. In 1483, Edward IV died, leaving his throne to his young son, but his ambitious brother, Richard, took the throne in the young boy’s place. Edward’s two sons were placed in the Tower under the guise of their protection. But there is a growing, secret support for another claim to the throne, a young man named Henry Tudor.. Lord Weldon began to have dreams, dreams with vivid images that he recreates the symbols for the images he saw. He entrusts his daughter, Nicola, to deliver these symbols. Nicola sets out on a perilous journey that could be life and death for her and the crossroads of history. 

The War of the Roses has always been taught in passing and I know very little how it began or how it ended. This book is the tail end of the war as Richard, Duke of Gloucester, becomes Richard III and meets Henry Tudor on the battlefield. While history already tells us Henry wins the crown to become Henry VII, political alliances, rumors of witchcraft and murder, everyone questions who or what they can trust. History could have been different. Symbol Maker’s Daughter is an interesting take on the events that lead to the end of the War of the Roses. It is a very detailed story with many moving parts. I read the book in about a week, which is a rarity for me. However, because the story was so detailed and intricate, this story requires a slow read to understand the events. I recommend Symbol Maker’s Daughter. 

Symbol Maker’s Daughter is available in paperback and eBook

Family Secrets: a story of family, loss, grief and learning to live again

Family Secrets is the first book in the Ellie McLellan Genealogy Mystery series by Beth Farrar. Widowed genealogist Ellie McLellan has spent the last four years carefully building a new and quiet life. After her husband and daughter were killed in an accident, she has desperately fought for her privacy from the hungry paparazzi. Her quiet life is shattered when she instinctively saves a young boy’s life and it’s caught on camera. Now the relentless Diane Cooper has found her and is determined to get her story. When Ellie discovers a family secret, a secret that could destroy the only family she has left, she uses her skills as a genealogist to track down the truth. A truth she may or may not want to truly discover. She would do anything to protect her family, even if it means it costs her her peaceful life. 

A little birdie told me about this great new book by debut author Beth Farrar. Intrigued by the premise and my love of genealogy, I eagerly bought the book. WOW! was the word that crossed my mind as I closed the book. From the opening pages, it was a hard book to put down. Ms. Farrar wrote a gripping story of family, loss, grief and finding the strength to live again. My heart broke for Ellie as her story is revealed. I truly hated Diane and her cutthroat tactics. I enjoyed the cast of characters who support and protect Ellie. The truth behind the family secret was great and intriguing. It left me smiling and crying at the great heartwarming moments. I eagerly wait for the second book in the series, Family Mistakes. If you love a deeply moving story, I highly recommend Family Secrets. 

Family Secrets is available in paperback and eBook

The Spanish Love Deception: an enemies to lovers romantic comedy

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas is an enemies to lovers romantic comedy. Catalina Martin had made a horrible mistake. In order to get her mother off her back, she claims she has a boyfriend. And now the family, and her ex and his fiancée, is expecting him to be there. Now she desperately needs to find a date, a man to pretend to be her boyfriend, for her sister’s wedding. She has four weeks to find someone who is willing to join her in Spain and take part in this deception. With the clock ticking, not just any man will do because her family won’t be easy to fool. Her tall, handsome and condescending colleague, Aaron Blackford, offers to be that boyfriend. There’s no way she would be able to pretend with someone who aggravates her. When she realizes she has no choice, she reluctantly agrees. Soon she will see a side of Aaron she hasn’t seen before. Will her hate blossom into love? 

This book caught my eye at a store’s display for Hispanic Heritage Month and I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance. The beginning is a bit slow as Catalina refuses and fights against Aaron being her date but Aaron is persistent. He shows her that he is her best and only option. Once they arrive in Spain and the charade begins, the story heats up and the fun begins. I laughed. I cried. I sighed at the very romantic and heartfelt moments between Catalina and Aaron. They were great laugh out loud moments with Catalina’s family and sweet, touching moments with her parents. I enjoyed that their “happily ever after” took more effort as they returned home and to the real world. While Catalina is very stubborn, I loved that Aaron took his time and he was my favorite character. I closed the book with great satisfaction that it was well worth it. It is a sweet, funny and sexy story. I highly recommend The Spanish Love Deception! 

The Spanish Love Deception is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Falling for Murder: another adventure in Bobwhite Mountain!

Falling for Murder by Jamie Rutland Gillespie is the second book in the Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series. It’s early fall in Bobwhite Mountain, Tennessee and Landry Burke loves being a part of the little town. She has thrived with her inherited businesses and made great new friends. Her relationship with Adam grows into something more and she gets a surprise visit from an old friend. But soon, the peaceful atmosphere of the town is shattered when a local woman goes missing and later found dead. As the investigation gets under way, two more local girls go missing and everyone fears the worst. Can the murderer be found? Will the two missing girls be found before it’s too late? 

Falling for Murder is a fun follow-up to Inheriting Murder. My one complaint is the Ms. Millie character. While I understand she is supposed to be outspoken and outlandish, she was irritating as the story progressed. I commend Landry for her devotion to her friendship with Ms Millie as a way to honor her aunt. I was glad to see that Ms Millie has a piece of humble pie during the course of the story. Overall, I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the mystery and its resolution. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I even loved the inclusion of Landry’s recipes and will try a few. I recommend Falling for Murder. 

Falling for Murder is available in paperback and eBook

In An Instant: love, family and the strength to carry on

In An Instant by Suzanne Redfearn is a story of love, family and carrying on even when you don’t want to. In the blink of an eye, life is over for sixteen year old Finn Miller. A devastating car accident causes the family camper to tumble down the side of a mountain as her family spends the weekend with friends. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as her loved ones struggle to survive in the cold and snow. In order to survive, impossible choices were made, decisions that leave the survivors with tormenting guilt, immense grief and regret. Finn keeps vigil as her family and friends struggle to rebuild their lives. Her father, Jack, seeks vengeance. Her best friend, Mo, searches for the truth about the events after the accident. Her mother, Ann, is haunted by her decisions. And her sister, Chloe, lacks the will to continue to live. Can Finn move on? Can her family be able to pick up the pieces? 

In An Instant is a gripping, heartbreaking story of survival and the aftermath of one’s decisions. Finn is a typical teenager who is looking to ask her crush to the school dance and trying to avoid getting caught up in her oldest sister’s wedding frenzy. The family weekend in the mountains was supposed to help bring them closer together. That weekend becomes fateful in ways they never expected. Be prepared. It is a hard read about a difficult situation with difficult life altering choices. It is definitely a story that shows that in life or death situations, some decisions will be selfless while others will be selfish. It asks the questions which one would be each of us in that moment? In that situation? The author’s note at the end of the book is definitely worth reading too and only adds to the heartache from the story's events. Despite the hard subject matter, I enjoyed this story and I highly recommend In An Instant. 

In An Instant is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Island House: sweet second chance romance

The Island House by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Getaway Bay series. Charlotte Madsen recently had her whole world turned upside down. Thirty-seven and divorced, Charlotte arrives in Getaway Bay to start, not just a new chapter, but a new book in her life. She bought a run-down house with the hopes to remodel the house and maybe herself too. When she arrives, she doesn’t expect a tall, handsome man to be inside the house. She certainly wasn’t expecting her heart to fall for the former Air Force pilot. Dawson Dane has a devil-may-care attitude that hides a broken heart. Estranged from his family, he is only committed to his career, even choosing flying over love. As Charlotte starts to heal, will she be willing to open her heart to love again? Has Dawson found the woman to shift his priorities? 

The Island House is a sweet, clean romance with a happily ever after ending. It is a fast read as the story is engaging and interesting. Ms. Johnson is a relatively new author to me and I enjoyed her sweet, clean stories. Charlotte is a woman deeply wounded. So wounded that she is afraid to open herself to love again, despite her attraction to Dawson. He soon becomes the first person she thinks of to call when things are exciting, good and even bad. Although the story takes place on the big island of Hawaii, it didn’t feel like an island story. Other than the mentions of the beach and native plants, they could have been at any coastal region. Overall, I enjoyed Charlotte and Dawson’s story. I look forward to the rest of the Getaway Bay series. If you enjoy sweet, clean romances, I recommend The Island House. 

The Island House is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Comfort of Secrets: a story of courage, strength, and bravery

The Comfort of Secrets by Christine Nolfi is the second book in the Sweet Lake series. Readers to the small town of Sweet Lake, the Wayfair Inn and the quirky and well-meaning Sirens. This story focuses on Linnie’s friend, Cat. After a failed business and horrible dating years, she’s ready to turn a new leaf and desperately needs a win. First, she feels she needs to convince others that she is taking her new responsibilities as the Wayfair’s new events director seriously. Second, she needs to control her attraction to Ryan D’Angelo, the new charming ad executive hired to promote the inn. Ryan hides a deep secret, a heartache so scarring that Cat can’t help but draw closer to him. Will his secrets derail her new life and the Wayfair itself? Or could they both gain a life they never thought they could have?

The Comfort of Secrets is a wonderful story of courage, strength, and finding that you are braver than you know. I could not put this story down. I loved Cat and Ryan’s story. Cat is desperate to show she can do the job and yet deep down she is afraid she can’t. Ryan is charming and yet his smile hides a heartbreaking past. From the theme that we do not go through life alone, we aren’t meant to be alone, to finding the strength to move on from the traumas of life. There is plenty of excitement, drama and feel good moments. One of my favorite quotes from the story is “Some hurts don’t heal. With luck, they cover over with enough scar tissue to make them bearable. But they don’t go away.” How very true! I highly recommend The Comfort of Secrets. 

The Comfort of Secrets is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Sweet Lake, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

America's Hidden History: events in history that are often forgotten

America’s Hidden History: Untold Tales of the First Pilgrims, Fighting Women and Forgotten Founders Who Shaped a Nation by Kenneth C Davis is a collection of stories, episodes in the nation’s history. According to Mr Davis, these episodes helped shape the nation’s destiny and character. He sets out to set the record straight, dispelling myths and shining a light on fascinating and yet little known facts. From the first permanent colonies (hint: it wasn’t Jamestown) to when the first slaves arrived in America (hint: it wasn’t 1619) to events that influenced George Washington as a general and as president. Mr Davis continues to reveal that history is more than cut and dry dates and events to the real people of the day who shaped the land, the culture and the nation. America’s Hidden History shows that history is a complex, interconnected and interwoven series of events, ideas and people that influence and affect one another. 

Kenneth C Davis is a bestselling author who brings history alive in unique ways. Best known for his Don’t Know Much About History series, he makes history fun, interesting and deeper than the often overlooked and sanitized history we often get in school. While I enjoyed reading these untold stories, I rather disliked that Mr Davis was simply taking chunks of paragraphs from other academic books and placing them into his book with a little commentary of his own. Rather than smoothly merge the academic information with his own, the book was chunky to read. I failed to see the connections. I read each chapter as if it was it’s own book rather than looking for an overall connection between the six events he discusses. Overall, it was an interesting look into the events that don’t make it into history textbooks. If you enjoy history, you will enjoy America’s Hidden History. 

America’s Hidden History is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Chances Are: an enjoyable second chance romance

Chances Are by Kellie Coates Gilbert is the first book in the Pacific Bay series. Allie Barrett keeps her mom’s words of wisdom close to her heart. Especially “Chances are, you never know what story might be in the very next chapter.” So after her divorce and receiving a letter that she has inherited her uncle’s home and fishing charter business,. she packs up her son and everything they own and makes the trek from Texas to the Oregon coast. Her high hopes for a fresh start are dashed when the cottage and boat need more work than she expected. But never afraid of hard work, Allie and Ryan set out to make the home livable and the boat seaworthy. As a friendship with Cam, a local widower, grows, her good-for-nothing ex-husband shows up. Will she be able to meet the challenges ahead of her? 

Many of the reviews complained that Chances Are was taken from the 1985 movie, Murphy's Romance. While I am aware of the movie, I have never seen the movie, so I can’t say whether this is true or not. A single mother starting over in a new town, meets with challenges and a new love is a common trope. Either way, I enjoyed this story. It’s a good, clean romance with a sweet ending. It was a nice break from the heavier stories I read recently. I enjoyed the small town friendly feel even with the common small town “enemies.” Although I must admit the “villains” of the story could have been more developed. However, I still enjoyed the story for Allie and Cam’s relationship. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy second chances with life and love, I recommend Chances Are. 

Chances Are is available in paperback and eBook

The Marine's baby, maybe: a second chance romance

The Marine’s Baby, Maybe by Rogenna Brewer is the first book in the Love in Uniform series. Caitlin Calhoun married Navy Lieutenant Luke Calhoun Jr in a whirlwind romance. Now she is a widow as her Navy SEAL husband was killed in action. As she moves from their base housing, she receives a letter from CryoBank. Her husband had donated sperm before his deployment. She hatches a plan to have his baby a piece of him she can hold on to. However, due to an unfortunate mix-up, the baby’s father is actually her late husband’s half brother. Master Sergeant “Lucky” Luke Calhoun Jr is a Marine sniper deployed overseas. Always unlucky in love, having a family was the last thing he expected to have. When he learns about Caitlin and his unborn baby, he can’t seem to turn his back on them. Unsure how to describe their new relationship, Cait and Lucky begin an unusual friendship but they never expected to fall in love. 

I always love stories that feature military personnel and their families. The Marine’s Baby, Maybe is a sweet second chance romance. A few reviewers complained that the story was outdated. Yes, the story takes place in 2008. Yikes, ancient history, right? And the characters mention screen names, yellow pages, and phone booths. However, it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story. At its core, regardless of the time period, it is a second chance at love romance. Added to their drama, there is the wounded brother, the demanding mother-in-law and the jerk of a father-in-law. But through it all, they find a way to come together for this new baby. And in the process find a life and love they never thought they would ever have.  I thoroughly enjoyed The Marine’s Baby, Maybe. It was sweet, fun, and sexy. There were a few tears, a few heart tagging moments and even laughter. I highly recommend The Marine’s Baby, Maybe. 

The Marine’s Baby, Maybe is available in eBook

Wishful Witness: the cozy mystery to end The Wishing Tree series

Wishful Witness by Tonya Kappes is the thirteenth and final book in The Wishing Tree series. Cheryl Paisley is the owner of The Stitchin’ Post yarn shop where she teaches knitting classes and has become grand central for the gossip of Linden Falls. The members of the Linden Falls Knitters keep everyone aware of all the comings and goings in their quaint little town. With the old King Building reopening as an artesian center, many welcomed the idea, at first. Then the local businesses began to feel the pinch and sales began to fall. Protests began. When Zeke Turner, one very vocal resident, turns up dead, there is no shortage of suspects. As the Knitters' gossip leads to real clues, they begin to work together to catch the killer. Can Cheryl and the ladies of the Knitters discover his or her identity before it’s too late? 

While it is sad to see the end of the wonderful Wishing Tree series, Wishful Witness is a wonderful, cozy mystery to say goodbye. Cheryl does not truly believe in the magic of the wishing tree. But on a whim, she ties one to the tree. When the wish seems to be coming true, a murder shocks the town. Suspicions travel with the speed of juicy gossip as Cheryl finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. The mystery has plenty of twists, turns and surprises that add to the wonderful quirkiness of the town. I did not see the reveal of the murderer coming and it was total shock as the clues are lined up. I loved the gossipy ladies of the Knitters. I laughed when one lady said “But you didn’t hear it from me.” I recommend Wishful Witness and the entire Wishing Tree series. 

Wishful Witness is available in eBook

Wishes of Home: a heartwarming story of love and home

Wishes of Home by Barbara Hinske is the twelfth book in The Wishing Tree series. Readers first meet Pam in book five, Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses, as her relationship with Steve blossoms from childhood friends to colleagues to romance. In Wishes of Home, Pam and Steve are still going strong, although her past hurts from her ex-husband finds herself doubting her relationship with Steve. In this story, Pam furthers her talent for remodeling and home décor. What started as a hobby takes her on an unexpected path. With her boyfriend, Steve Turner, at her side, she is filled with more confidence. But when their relationship hits a rough patch, will her dreams come tumbling down? Meanwhile, a young girl’s wish from the Wishing Tree touches Pam’s heart and she is determined to fulfill this wish. Has she taken on more than she can handle? Can she fulfill her own wish as well as this young girl’s wish? 

Wishes of Home is a sweet, wonderful story. There are heartwarming moments and a few tears. When Pam is filled with doubt about herself and her relationship with Steve, instead of talking with him, she ghosts him. Thinking the relationship is over, Steve doesn’t know where to turn. But the residents of Linden Falls aren’t going to let Pam and Steve ruin their relationship because they are perfect for each other. It is a story of communication, even if it could be hurtful and tough. Communication is key. There was one piece of information that Steve thought Pam knew, thinking small town everyone knows, but not realizing that she does not. It adds to the old saying “Assuming makes an ass out of you and me.” Overall, I enjoyed this story. It has been a great addition to The Wishing Tree series. I highly recommend Wishes of Home as well as the rest of The Wishing Tree series. 

Wishes of Home is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Prisoner: a psychological thriller of survival

The Prisoner by BA Paris is a story of survival. Amelie Lamont is a survivor. She has been on her own since the death of her father. She makes her way to London, finds a job and enters the glamorous lifestyle of those around her. She meets the billionaire Ned Hawthorne and enters into a marriage of convenience. She doesn’t realize until it's too late that lies and deceit are the name of the game. A chain of events begins, tumbling like dominoes until she finds herself in a dark room, kidnapped with no hope of getting out. Lies, deception and She has no idea where she is, who her captors are or what their intentions could be; however, one thing she knows for certain, she’s not going down without a fight. 

The Prisoner is an interesting psychological thriller told in two parts. Part One opens in the present as Amelie wakes up in a dark room, recounting the events of the previous day. Back and forth between past and present, the series of events are revealed as how she got kidnapped and possibly why. Part Two is the aftermath as the investigation into the kidnapping begins. Who is to be believed? And who is hiding a deadly secret? The Prisoner is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing who to trust and who is behind the kidnapping and what their motives are. I enjoyed The Prisoner. It kept me guessing until the very end. I recommend The Prisoner. 

The Prisoner is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

Hold You Down: an emotional ride for single Black mothers in 1980s New York City

Hold You Down by Tracy Brown is a story about the perils of love and the ties that bind us. Mercy and Lenox Howard have always had each other. Abandoned by their mother, raised by their grandmother, they grew up on the mean streets of Harlem. As single moms with young sons, they are determined to survive and give their sons brighter futures. Mercy is the quiet, straight laced, playing the book and yet struggles to make ends meet. Lenox is the diva, the wild child, always looking for excitement and making it big in life. Their boys, Judah and Deon, are more brothers than cousins, and have forged a bond that seems unbreakable. When Lenox believes that success and power is hers for the taking as she heads down a path that will forever alter the course of her life as well as the life of her loved ones. 

I read Ms. Brown’s previous book, Single Black Female and knew I was in for an emotional ride. Hold You Down takes place in New York City during the late 1980s into the 1990s. It is a powerful, heartfelt story of a family trying to better themselves and the challenges they face. There were beautiful moments of celebration and family joys. There were gut wrenching moments of tears and devastation. I admire the strength of the characters as they come to grips with their lots in life and do their best to overcome them. Ms. Brown gives readers a hard-hitting, gritty, no-holds-bar story of life for black single mothers in 1980s New York. She does not hold back from the realities that Mercy and Lenox face and the Catch-22 they live in. Be prepared to laugh and cry with Mercy, Lenox and their sons. I highly recommend Hold You Down. 

Hold You Down is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook